New CAG Takes Over - Appointment Challenged

SHASHI Kant Sharma, a 1976 batch IAS officer has taken over as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, succeeding the controversial Vinod Rai. Rai had taken the CAG's office into dizzy heights of prominence with a couple of ministerial heads rolling down into Tihar supposedly because of his reports.

The CAG is an over rated institution believed to have constitutional powers and was in existence since 1860. He is

the chief accountant and auditor for the Government and is unfortunately not subject to any accountability or audit checks.

After the CAG became politically important, there is now a demand for transparency, independence etc,. Already Sharma's appointment is challenged before the Supreme Court, which will hear the matter in July.

The CAG and his offices cost the nation 2707 crores of rupees in 2013-14, about 90% of which would go for salaries of the auditors.

The constitution does not prescribe any qualifications for the post of CAG and normally IAS officers with absolutely no idea about accounts or audit are appointed as CAGs. The CAG is not under anybody's control and is not accountable for any blunders in the reports he makes. If there is too much glamour for an independent CAG, one day the Government may appoint one of its unemployed politicians to the job!